Cards left-back John Nutter, himself a former Shots player, cursed his team's rotten luck. He groaned: "It's been decided on a dubious penalty that's probably outside the box and then a deflected goal that's looped into the corner."

After a goalless first-half - more absorbing than pulsating given the importance of the points to the visitors - the hosts looked to be edging it just ahead of the break.

But the clash came to life when Bristol referee Paul Rees pointed to the spot in the 64th minute after Manny Oyeleke's shot caught Woking midfielder John Goddard on the hand from point-blank range.

Inside or outside the box, it looked a harsh decision, but Williams - a Cards striker on loan from Reading last season - showed great composure in front of a packed Kingfield Road End terrace, where home fans were giving him the bird, to beat Sam Beasant from the spot.

Williams celebrated in front of a section of his club's own delirious supporters in the Chris Lane terrace, a surge causing momentary alarm when a barrier collapsed. Stewards and police dashed to the scene and order was restored swiftly with no apparent injuries.

The Cards responded positively and equalised in the 72nd minute when former Aldershot centre-back Brett Johnson - outstanding alongside the colossus that was Joe McNerney at the heart of the Woking defence - popped up to guide a pass from Scott Rendell low past keeper Glenn Morris from around 10 yards.

Garry Hill's side looked the more likely winners at that stage as they stretched the Shots rearguard, always offering the more attractive football in a clash of styles. But it was Molesley who struck when his speculative shot from the right edge of the box cannoned off one of several bodies in a crowded goalmouth and the ball diverted past a diving, but helpless, Beasant.

After only his team's second defeat in 11 Conference matches, Nutter added: "We don't fear anyone and have given a good account of ourselves against everyone so I think we can be pleased with that.

"It doesn't hide the disappointment today, we got beaten by a side that we should probably beat comfortably but it it's one of those days when they've nicked the result.

"We have to move on to Tamworth now and hopefully we can finish the season with a win. We have a Surrey Cup game as well and that's something we want to win too."

Shots' 28-goal forward Williams, commented: "We always knew it was going to be a battle, they are a very good side and have proved that this season, but the main thing for us was the three points."

On his penalty he grinned: "I picked my side and just went for it. It was a bit nervy but it's my job to do that.

"I'm glad I've helped the club stay in this league and will go again next year."

And on the pressure of the last few months, having kicked off the campaign handicapped by a 10-point deduction, Williams added: "We always felt we would get out of it with the players we've got. We are a quality team, but we let a few results slip and thankfully the job's done now."

And on the derby occasion, Shots completing a league double following their win by the same scoreline at the ESS Stadium back in August, he said: "It was a brilliant atmosphere, it's what players thrive on and I hope no-one got hurt with my celebration in the corner when the barrier fell down."